Exploring the Secret Lives of Rattlesnakes in Colorado

Snakes are often misunderstood creatures, with rattlesnakes carrying a particularly negative reputation. However, researchers from the California State Polytechnic University are aiming to change that perception through a groundbreaking project in northern Colorado. This project focuses on hundreds of rattlesnakes gathered in a "megaden."

The scientists have set up a live streaming camera for people around the world to observe the private lives of these snakes. The extraordinary megaden has geological features that allow the snakes to hide and seek refuge from the elements. Located on private land in northern Colorado, the exact location is not disclosed to the public to protect the snakes.

Emily Taylor, a professor of biological sciences at the California State Polytechnic University, stated that the RattleCam project has two main objectives: to observe the behavior of snakes without disturbing them and to change people's perspective.

"It's to show people that this is what rattlesnakes are really like," Taylor said. "They are gentle animals that just want to be left alone to eat rodents and care for their babies in peace."

Taylor emphasized the important role that prairie rattlesnakes play in Colorado's ecosystem. They feed on rodents, which are in turn preyed upon by other predators like raptors. Rodents often carry diseases such as Lyme disease and the plague, and snakes help prevent these diseases from spreading out of control and affecting humans.

"It's important that, if not necessarily admired, we at least respect them," Taylor said.

The researchers estimate that the den is currently full of pregnant female snakes. They are expected to give birth in late August. The number of snakes in the den will increase in September when males and non-pregnant females return from hunting rodents. The camera will be turned off during winter and back on when spring arrives.

The project is primarily funded through donations. It is a community scientific project, encouraging people to share what they see in the live stream.

"This project is for the people," Taylor said. "It's a community scientific project, funded by the people and for them. We scientists are just there to guide and learn in the process."

The researchers also have a camera in a smaller den in California. Taylor hopes to set up more of these cameras across the country if the project receives the necessary funding.

"We have received interest from colleagues who have rattlesnake dens in places like Arizona, Idaho, and other locations," Taylor said.

Taylor hopes that these cameras will demonstrate that rattlesnakes are not as terrifying as they are often perceived.

"We have several people saying, 'I didn't like snakes, or I don't like snakes,' but this shows that they are not so bad," she said.

Credit: Cal Poly

An image taken on July 1 in Colorado shows intertwined rattlesnakes.

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What do you think?

• Do you believe this project will change people's perceptions of rattlesnakes?
• Should rattlesnakes be protected species?
• Do you think live streaming their lives is ethical?